Senior Residential Support Worker

Area Camden Ltd; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive induction

Mandatory training

Progression opportunities

Fixed rota pattern 08:00-20:00

Annual leave 236 hours + 12 hours/yr (

Pension scheme

Job summary

Area Camden Ltd, part of the Polaris Community, provides high-quality residential care for young people aged 11-18. The Senior Support Worker leads care delivery, acts as a key worker and mentors staff to maintain safe, compassionate daily practice.

You will manage placement plans, respond to safeguarding concerns and coordinate access to health, education and therapeutic services, reporting to the Registered Manager.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience in children's residential care.
• Must hold a Children's Workforce Diploma or equivalent.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of young people.

Responsibilities

• Act as key worker and oversee daily practice.
• Lead and mentor staff, organise work patterns.
• Ensure care plans, training needs and safeguarding standards are met.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Care experience

Education

Children's Workforce Diploma

Job description

Specific Hours: 08:00 - 20:00 (12-hour shifts)

Salary: £34,660.95 per annum

Please note, it is essential that all candidates have relevant experience and qualifications to be considered for an interview. You will need 2-3 years' experience and must hold a Children's Workforce Diploma or an equivalent qualification relevant to the children's residential care sector.

• Comprehensive induction and mandatory training
• Clear progression opportunities
• Fixed rota pattern (08:00 - 20:00):
• Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday (48 hours)
• Week 2: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (36 hours)
• 168 hours per month
• 236 hours' annual leave, including bank holidays
• Annual leave increases by 12 hours per year for three years, up to 272 hours
• Pension scheme (after qualifying period)

About Us

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, is built on values of respect, dignity, independence and positive parenting. We provide high-quality, family-style residential care for young people aged 11-18, with all support centred around their individual needs.

Support Workers play a vital role in keeping young people safe and contributing to their daily care and development. In this role, you'll build positive relationships and help young people with emotional and behavioural needs feel included in their community and reach their full potential.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Senior Support Worker helps deliver high-quality care and positive outcomes for young people. They act as a key worker, oversee daily practice and support continuous improvement across the home.

The role includes leading and mentoring staff, organising work patterns and ensuring care plans, training needs and safeguarding standards are met. Senior Support Workers record and review key work, care plans and risk assessments to maintain compliance.

They also manage placement plans, respond to safeguarding concerns and coordinate access to health, education and therapeutic services. The role is essential to maintaining high standards and reports directly to the Registered Manager.

Leadership and Home Management

• Provide strong leadership and coaching to ensure high-quality care and positive outcomes
• Support the Registered Manager and senior team in upholding care standards and implementing policies
• Help monitor compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and health and safety requirements
• Work as part of the rota to support the home's 24-hour operation and maintain safe, consistent care
• Ensure staff remain focused on delivering high-quality childcare practice
• Contribute to quality assurance, including inspections and Regulation 44 visits
• Support recording systems, administrative tasks and general household upkeep
• Assist with managing the home's budget, including incidental and repair costs

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Area Camden is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.